Blades loan giant goalkeeper

27 July 2017

Chris Wilder has utilised the loan market to bring in additional resources to United's goalkeeping department.

Prior to Simon Moore's knee injury at Rotherham last week, Wilder had expressed his desire to bring in a senior goalkeeper to compete with Moore and youngster Jake Eastwood, following George Long's switch to AFC Wimbledon.

But owing to the aforementioned injury to the former Brentford stopper, the Blades boss has been forced to moved swiftly.

Chelsea's Jamal Blackman, who stands at 6ft 6ins, has penned a season-long deal at Bramall Lane and could make his debut at Eastleigh on Friday night.

Capped by England at U16, U17 and U19 level, the 23-year-old spent last term on-loan at Wycombe Wanderers, amassing over 50 appearances in all competitions.

On the arrival of Blackman, from the Premier League champions, the Gaffer commented: "Jamal has been our number one target right the way through the summer. There was a situation with his new contract at Chelsea so we've had to be patient but we are delighted that he is with us now because there were a few clubs in for him. He provides genuine competition in an important area of the pitch."